The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The Mauritius Government has withdrawn its earlier decision to deport Bangladeshi workers from January 1, 2010.

Minister for Labour, International Relations and Employment Jean Francois Chaumiere declared the withdrawal of the decision on Monday upon the request made by visiting Bangladesh Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Dipu Moni during a bilateral meeting.

The Foreign Minister requested the Mauritius government to extend work permits to male workers of Bangladesh beyond December 2009 and facilitate recruitment of fresh workers.

Dipu Moni welcomed the move and mentioned that Bangladesh is ready to provide manpower in accordance with the requirements of Mauritius, particularly in the garments, tourism and fish processing industries.

Mauritius Government showed its keen interest in recruiting doctors, engineers and architects from Bangladesh, says a press release.

During her visit at the invitation of Mauritius Foreign Minister Arvin Boolell, the Foreign Minister called on Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. This was the first-ever high-level visit from Bangladesh since the independence of Bangladesh.

She also held meetings with Vice-Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Economic Empowerment Ramakrishna Sithanen, Foreign Minister Arvin Boolell and Minister for Industry, Science and Research Dharambeer Gokhool.

The Mauritius Prime Minister recalled the close friendship between his father and the founding Prime Minister of Mauritius Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, and Bangladesh's Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The Prime Minister also recalled his recent meeting with the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Copenhagen where they agreed to further enhance cooperation in the field of economy, culture, trade and investment and other areas of mutual interest.

Dr Dipu Moni gratefully recalled that Mauritius was the first African country to recognise Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign state.

During the meeting with the Mauritius Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment, Dipu Moni raised existing problems and prospects of Bangladeshi workers in Mauritius.

The Mauritius Labour Minister expressed his satisfaction over praiseworthy contribution of Bangladeshi workers in Mauritius. In this regard, he mentioned that Bangladeshi workers are generally sincere, modest, and hard working.

She also underscored the need for signing a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Manpower which has been forwarded to the Mauritius authority for its consideration. Once signed, the MoU would facilitate the transparent movement of our workforce in Mauritius.